TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Deontae Lawson knows he only has one chance remaining.

The linebacker is entering his fifth and final college season, a last ride with the eighth-ranked Crimson Tide that means even more after what he endured last November. Lawson tore a ligament in his knee in a loss to Oklahoma and has spent every waking moment since working his way back.

Now, nine months later, Alabama’s team captain is on track to return for the team's season opener at Florida State next Saturday.

“He’s kind of stayed ahead of every marker that we’ve had for him,” defensive coordinator Kane Wommack said. “To be able to come out in fall camp, and we thought maybe we would limit some of his loads and all that. We’ve really pushed him, and he’s handled it really well.”

Lawson’s body has cha

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